Shuman Cleared in Case of Amputated Horse Leg

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Trainer Mark Shuman has been cleared by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering of any wrongdoing in the fatal breakdown of Casual Conflict at Gulfstream Park last month after no banned substances were found in the horses system.

A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, which includes the state veterinary board, said Thursday that blood tests taken of Casual Conflict showed only the presence of the legal anti-inflammatory phenylbutazone and the two drugs used to euthanize the horse.

"Mr. Shuman was investigated, we looked at the samples and no illegal substances were found," said department spokesperson Meg Shannon on Thursday. "The investigation has been closed."

The inquiry was launched after complaints were received that the broken right leg of Casual Conflict was amputated by veterinarian Phillip Aleong, who is associated with Shuman and owner Mike Gill, shortly after the horse was euthanized. In the days after the investigation began, Aleong and Leonard Patrick were banned by Gulfstream management from entering the facility.

Gulfstream officials have not said why Aleong is no longer allowed at the track, but they did reveal last month Patrick has been denied access to the grounds because track security found improperly stored medication in his vehicle.

Shannon said there was no infraction to pari-mutuel regulations with the removal of the leg by Aleong, but the veterinary board is continuing to investigate the actions of both veterinarians.

Gill and Shuman, who have set Gulfstream Park record this meet for wins by an owner and trainer, respectively, have each been suspended in the past for medication violations.

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